Published Wednesday, 20 June, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Longreach rangers recognised for top safety record
Safe expeditions to remote areas and managing the feral pig population have won the Environmental Protection Agency’s Longreach District team recognition for its outstanding safety record.
The Longreach District team was awarded the EPA Excellence Award for Health and Safety at the annual Excellence Awards ceremony in Brisbane last night (19 June).
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Longreach District team’s work in the vast and remote parts of western Queensland had important safety considerations.
“Over the past two years, Longreach District staff have consistently worked as a team to achieve a safer working environment for field based staff in remote areas,” Ms Nelson-Carr said
“The team has successfully implemented major changes, including the purchase of new satellite phones, to improve the ‘call in procedures’ so field staff can communicate effectively in remote locations. “
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Longreach team has also successfully hosted helicopter shooter training on Lochern National Park where 549 feral pigs were destroyed without any safety incidents.
“To improve safety, staff have undergone nationally accredited training in the safe use of four-wheel-drives and quad bikes.
“In case of emergencies, the team is well-equipped with comprehensive personal field kits which include a Global Positioning System (GPS), a first aid kit, water and general survival equipment.
“The District is so focused on improving their safety, a temporary ranger was recruited especially to progress priority safety issues.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA Excellence Awards recognised employees and volunteers for their dedication, commitment and hard work in protecting the environment for a sustainable future.
Media Contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
The Longreach District team was awarded the EPA Excellence Award for Health and Safety at the annual Excellence Awards ceremony in Brisbane last night (19 June).
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Longreach District team’s work in the vast and remote parts of western Queensland had important safety considerations.
“Over the past two years, Longreach District staff have consistently worked as a team to achieve a safer working environment for field based staff in remote areas,” Ms Nelson-Carr said
“The team has successfully implemented major changes, including the purchase of new satellite phones, to improve the ‘call in procedures’ so field staff can communicate effectively in remote locations. “
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Longreach team has also successfully hosted helicopter shooter training on Lochern National Park where 549 feral pigs were destroyed without any safety incidents.
“To improve safety, staff have undergone nationally accredited training in the safe use of four-wheel-drives and quad bikes.
“In case of emergencies, the team is well-equipped with comprehensive personal field kits which include a Global Positioning System (GPS), a first aid kit, water and general survival equipment.
“The District is so focused on improving their safety, a temporary ranger was recruited especially to progress priority safety issues.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA Excellence Awards recognised employees and volunteers for their dedication, commitment and hard work in protecting the environment for a sustainable future.
Media Contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002